Docking station for hand held electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A docking system is disclosed. The docking system includes a single docking station and a plurality of inserts that are placed in the docking station so that the docking station can accommodate hand held devices with differing sizes and shapes. The docking system is configured with a docking station and insert that matingly engage with one another via a rotating action. The docking system is also configured with a latching retention mechanism that secures the insert to the docking station when the insert is rotated into engagement with the docking station.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/423,490, titled, “MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM,” filed on Apr. 25, 2003, whichis herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to docking stations for handheld electronic devices. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a docking station that accommodates hand held electronicdevices with different sizes and shapes.

2. Description of the Related Art

There exist today many styles of handheld electronic devices as forexample cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), mediaplayers (e.g., music player or video player), cameras, game player andthe like. As is generally well known, these devices come in variousshapes and sizes (e.g., thickness, width and height). The size and shapeis typically dependent on various form factors including but not limitedto ease of use, ergonomics, aesthetics, and the size of the componentsinside or outside the device. While it is likely that differentmanufacturers may produce the same type of hand held electronic devicewith differing shapes and sizes, it is also likely that one particularmanufacturer may produce different models of the same type of hand heldelectronic device with different shapes and sizes.

By way of example, the iPod product line, which is manufactured by AppleComputer of Cupertino, Calif. comes in various sizes and shapes.Particularly, the iPod Mini has a pill shaped cross section anddimensions of 2.0×3.6×0.5 inches for 4 GB versions, while the standardiPod has a substantially rectangular cross and dimensions of2.4×4.1×0.57 inches for a 20 GB version and 2.4×4.1×0.69 inches for a 40GB version. Furthermore, the iPhoto model of the iPod has asubstantially rectangular cross section similar to the standard version,but with dimensions of 2.4×4.1×0.75 for both 40 GB and 60 GB versions.

Docking stations provide a convenient interface for transferring databetween the device and computing devices such as a personal computers orperipheral devices such as speakers, monitors and printers withouthaving to reconnect and disconnect cables. The docking station may alsoprovide an interface for connecting to a power source so that the handheld electronic device can be powered or charged (e.g., battery). Inmost cases, the docking stations include a slot within which the handelectronic device is received. The slot is configured to have a size andshape that coincides with the size and shape of the hand held device sothat the hand held device rests snuggly within the slot. Furthermore,the slot includes a connector therein for operatively engaging a port ofthe hand held electronic device when the hand held electronic device ispositioned within the slot. The connector is coupled to the externalsystems through a cable so that communications between the hand heldelectronic device and the external systems can take place.

Because the slot has a size and shape that coincides with the size andshape of a particular hand held device, the docking station is typicallydedicated to the particular handheld device. Other devices typicallycannot be used with the docking station. The slots themselves are simplyincapable of supporting more than one device. As a result, users with anarsenal of devices have to wield a variety of docking stations, one foreach device in their arsenal. This produces clutter and can be confusingto the user. This also presents problems to the manufacturer of multipledevices in that they need to produce a variety of docking stations (onefor each unique device), which adds costs and complexity in the design,manufacture, assembly, and packaging of the devices. This is especiallytrue with devices in the same product line as for example the iPoddescribed above.

Some docking stations come packaged with removable spacers that canchange the size and shape of the slot thereby accommodating more thanone device.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary side elevation view of a docking station 10 thatutilizes a removal spacer 12. The removable spacer 12 is positioned inan opening 14 in the housing 16 of the docking station 10, and includesa lip 18 and a bumper 20 disposed below the lip 18. The lip 18 andbumper 20, which protrude outwardly, completely surround the peripheryof the spacer 12. The bumper 20 is formed from a deformable materialsuch as rubber that can deform inwardly during insertion and extractionthereby allowing the bumper 20 to be pressed over an edge 22 of theopening 14. The peripheral lip 18 and the bumper 20 cooperate to form achannel that captures the edge 22 in order to secure the spacer 12 tothe housing 16 of the docking station 10. Furthermore, the spacer 12includes an opening 26 for receiving a connector 28 positioned in theopening 14 of the docking station 10.

Although spacers such as these work for their intended purpose, theystill suffer from several drawbacks. For one, the spacer is difficult toinsert and remove and has a rough feel, which leaves a negativeimpression on the user. This is due in part to the vertical positioningof the spacer within the docking station and the large force that isrequired to overcome the rubber bumper since it is somewhat rigid andextends completely around the spacer. Furthermore, in cases where theinsert includes an angled basin, the hole in the bottom of the basinmust be made large to allow enough space for the connector (e.g.,clearance). This however, leaves gaps, which are aestheticallyunpleasing and which provide paths for dust and other foreign matterinto the docking system.

An improved docking station that utilizes spacers is therefore desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a docking station forhandheld devices with varying shapes and sizes. The docking stationincludes a top member with a cavity formed therein. The cavity isconfigured to rotatably receive a removable insert that accommodates thebottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a removable insert forhand held devices with varying shapes and sizes. The removable insertincludes a basin having an opening and an enclosed region that receivesthe bottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape.The basin is configured for rotatable insertion and extraction to andfrom a docking station. The removable insert rotates between an initialposition, where the removable insert is capable of being inserted orextracted, and a mounted position, where the removable insert is securedin the docking station.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking system for ahandheld device. The docking system includes a docking station. Thedocking system also includes a removable insert. The removable insert isconfigured to rotate relative to the docking station during insertionand extraction from the docking station.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking station. Thedocking station includes a top member with a cavity formed therein. Thecavity is configured to rotatably receive a removable insert thataccommodates the bottom end of a hand held device with a particular sizeand shape. The docking station also includes a connector disposed in thecavity. The connector protrudes through a bottom wall of the cavity. Thedocking station further includes a collar surrounding and positioned atthe base of the connector. The collar protrudes through the bottom wallof the cavity with the connector. The collar is configured to produce asnug fit with an opening in the removable insert when the removableinsert is positioned within the cavity of the top member. The opening inthe removable insert is configured to allow rotation of the removableinsert into the cavity without hitting the connector.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a removable insert forhand held devices with varying shapes and sizes. The removable insertincludes a basin having an opening and an enclosed region that receivesthe bottom end of a hand held device with a particular size and shape.The basin is configured for insertion and extraction within a cavity ofa docking station. The removable insert also includes a lip thatsurrounds and extends away from the opening in the basin. The lip isconfigured for placement in a recess in the docking station. The recesscatches the lip and provides a reference point for the insert duringinsertion and extraction from the cavity of the docking station. Theremovable insert further includes one or more tabs extending from thefront wall of the basin, and configured to mate with corresponding slotslocated inside the cavity of the docking station. The removable insertadditionally includes a catch formed on the back wall of the basin, andconfigured to mate with a latch located within the cavity of the dockingstation.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a docking system. Thedocking system includes a docking station. The docking station includesa top member. The docking station also includes a pocket formed in thetop member and configured to receive a plurality of inserts therein. Thecavity includes an opening and an enclosed region that are sized toaccommodate the largest insert. The enclosed region has sidewalls and abottom wall that surround the inserts when they are placed in thecavity. The docking station further includes a recess formed in the topmember and surrounding the opening in the pocket. The docking stationadditionally includes a connector located within the pocket andprotruding through the bottom wall of the pocket. The docking stationalso includes a collar surrounding and positioned at the base of theconnector. The collar protrudes through the bottom wall of the pocketwith the connector.

The docking system also includes a plurality of removable inserts. Eachof the removable inserts includes a basin configured for rotatableinsertion into the pocket of the docking station. The basin includes anopening and an enclosed region that are sized to accommodate aparticular hand held device. The enclosed region has sidewalls and abottom wall that surround the bottom end of the particular hand helddevice. The bottom wall includes a hole for receiving the connector andcollar when the basin is rotated within the pocket of the dockingstation. The edge of the hole includes a chamfer so that the basinclears the connector when the basin is rotated within the pocket of thedocking station. Each of the removable inserts also includes a lip thatsurrounds and extends away from the opening in the basin. The lip isconfigured for placement in the recess in the top member. The recesscatches the lip and provides a reference point about which the insert isrotated when inserted and extracted from the pocket of the dockingstation.

The docking system further includes a retention mechanism configured tosecure the inserts within the docking station. The retention mechanismincludes one or more slots formed in a front wall of the pocket. Theretention mechanism also includes one or more tabs extending from thefront wall of the basin, and configured to mate with the slots. Theretention mechanism further includes a catch formed on the back wall ofthe basin. The retention mechanism additionally includes a latch locatedon the back wall of the pocket and configured to move between a latchedposition, where the catch is captured by the latch, and an unlatchedposition, where the catch is released from the latch. The latch includesa detent that springs into engagement with the catch when the insert isrotated into its final position within the pocket of the dockingstation. The latch also includes a flexure that biases the detenttowards the center of the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary side elevation view of a docking station thatutilizes a removal spacer.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a docking system, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a docking system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the docking system shown in FIG.3A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side elevation views of a docking system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side elevation views of a docking system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a docking system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a docking system, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sound system with an integrateddocking station, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a docking station forportable electronic devices. The docking station provides a platform forquickly and easily coupling a hand held electronic device to anothersystem or device as for example a computer, a power source, orperipheral devices such as a monitor, a keyboard, speakers, etc. Aprimary advantage of using a docking station is that the user does nothave to separately connect one device at a time.

The docking station may be a stand alone unit that communicates withother devices or systems through wired (e.g., cables) or wireless (e.g.,Bluetooth) connections, or alternatively, the docking station may beintegrated directly into the other devices or systems. In either case,the docking station includes an opening or slot that receives theportable electronic device. The opening is typically configured tosupport the portable electronic device in an upright (e.g., vertical) orlaid down (e.g., horizontal) position while maintaining access to theU.I. portion of the portable electronic device.

The dock also includes a way of interfacing the portable electronicdevice with the other devices or systems. By way of example, the openingmay include one or more connectors that engage one or more ports on theportable electronic device when the portable electronic device is placedin the opening. In the case of a stand alone unit, the connector may becoupled to other connectors, ports or transceivers that provide externalconnections to the other devices or systems. In the case of anintegrated docking station, the connector may be wired directly to thecomponents of the host device.

More particularly, the present invention relates to docking stationsthat utilize removable inserts that accommodate portable hand helddevices with different sizes and shapes. The docking station includes anopening that receives all the various inserts, and each of the insertshas a slot or opening that accommodates a particular hand held device.The number of inserts generally depends on the number of devices thatare served by the docking station. One aspect of the invention relatesto inserts that are rotated in and out of the docking station. Anotheraspect of the invention relates to a quick release latching mechanismthat allows the insert to be temporarily secured to the docking station.Both features allow the inserts to be inserted and extracted into thedocking station with simplicity, ease and minimal effort (therebyleaving a positive impression on the user).

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.2-8. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a docking system 100, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. The docking system 100includes a single docking station 102 and a plurality of inserts 104.Each of the inserts 104 are received by the docking station 102 and areconfigured to accommodate hand held devices 106 with different sizes andshapes. In essence, the inserts allow different dimensioned devices tobe placed in the same docking station. As shown, there is an insert104A-C for each differently configured hand held device 106A-C. The handheld devices 106A-C may for example correspond to media players such asthe iPod class of media players manufactured by Apple Computer, Inc. ofCupertino Calif.

In most cases, the docking station 102 includes an opening 108 forreceiving each of the inserts 104 and the inserts 104 include an opening110 for receiving a hand held device 106 with a particular size andshape. That is, the opening 108 in the docking station 102 is sized anddimensioned to allow each of the inserts 104 to be positioned therein,and the openings 110 in the inserts 104 are sized and dimensioned toallow a particular device to be positioned therein. Furthermore, theopenings 108 and 110 may be configured to support the hand held device106 in an upright (e.g., vertical or angled), or laid down (e.g.,horizontal) position. When upright, the openings 108 and 110 aretypically configured to surround the front, back and left and rightsides of the hand held device 106 and when laid down, the openings 108and 110 are typically configured to surround the top and bottom sidesand the left and right sides of the hand held device 106. In eithercase, access to the U.I. portion 112 of the hand held device 106 ispreferably maintained.

When coupled with an insert 104, the hand held device 106 is configuredto correctly interface with the docking station 102 in order to allowcommunications between the hand held device 106 and other devices orsystems connected to the docking station 102. The docking station 102may for example include a connector 114 inside the opening 108 thatcouples to a port 116 on the hand held device 106 through a hole 118 inthe insert 104. The opening 110 in the insert 104 is configured to guidethe port 116 of handheld device 106 into alignment with the connector114 that is disposed within the hole 118.

The docking station 102 may be a stand alone unit that communicates withother devices or systems through wired (e.g., cables) or wireless (e.g.,Bluetooth) connections, or alternatively, the docking station 102 may beintegrated directly into the other devices or systems. An example of adocking station that can be used may be found in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/423,490, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one embodiment of the docking system 100will be described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the dockingstation 102 is a stand alone unit. It should be appreciated, however,that the features of the stand alone docking station may be equallyapplied to integrated docking stations.

As shown, the docking station 102 includes a cavity 150 disposed in atop member 152. The cavity 150 is a depression or pocket capable ofreceiving each of the various inserts 104 therein (and possibly thelargest hand held device). The cavity includes an opening 156 and anenclosed region having sidewalls 160 and a bottom wall 162. The insert104 is placed within the opening 156 and rests inside the cavity 150where it is surrounded by the various walls 160 and 162. The size andshape of the cavity 150 is generally configured to accommodate thelargest insert 104. The top member 152, on the other hand, is a portionof a housing 154 of the docking station 102.

The connector 114 is located within the cavity 150, and typicallyprotrudes from the bottom wall 162 of the cavity 150. The connector 114may for example be attached to a PCB and extend through a hole 164 inthe bottom wall 162. In integrated systems, the connector 114 istypically hard wired to the components of the host system (e.g., boombox). In stand alone systems, the connector 114 may electrically connectto various I/O interfaces 166 located on the side, and more particularlythe backside of the docking station 102 so that the docking station 102can communicate with other devices and systems. By way of example, theI/O interfaces may include audio and video jacks, data ports, electricaloutlets, and/or the like.

Referring to the inserts 104, the inserts 104 include a basin 170 forreceiving the bottom end of the hand held device. Similar to the cavity150, the basin 170 includes an opening 172 and an enclosed region formedby side walls 174 and a bottom wall 176. However, unlike the cavity 150,the opening 172 and walls 174 and 176 are sized and dimensioned tocorrespond to a particular hand held device. That is, the innerperiphery of the basin 170 coincides with the outer periphery of aparticular hand held device. Furthermore, the basin 170 has a depth thatsupports the handheld device in an upright position while stillproviding access to the user interface of the hand held device when thehand held device is disposed within the insert 104 and docking station102. Moreover, the depth and outer periphery of the basin 170 is smallerthan the depth and inner periphery of the cavity 150 so that the basin170 can be seated properly within the cavity 150.

The basin 170 may be vertical or angled. In the illustrated embodiment,the basin 170 is angled so that the hand held device is placed in atilted orientation when situated in the docking station 102. By way ofexample, the angle may be about 15 degrees from vertical.

The hole 118 for receiving the connector 114 is disposed within thebottom wall 176 of the basin 170. The connector 114 extends through thehole 118 and into the basin 170 where it eventually plugs into a port onthe bottom end of the hand held device. In most cases, the connector 114is positioned parallel to the side walls 174. Thus, the connector 114has the same angle as the basin 170. In fact, the side walls 174 of thebasin 170 are used to guide the hand held device over and intoengagement with the connector 114.

The insert 104 may be supported by the walls of the cavity 150 and/orthe top member 152 of the docking station 102. In the illustratedembodiment, the insert 104 includes a lip 178 which surrounds theopening 172 in the basin 170 and which rests on the top member 152 ofthe docking station 102. More particularly, the top member 152 includesa recess portion 180 that surrounds the opening 156 of the cavity 150,and that receives the lip 178 therein. The lip 178 typically has anouter profile that coincides with the inner profile of the recessportion 180. This is done to reduce gaps between the insert 104 and thedocking station 102 and provide mating surfaces for positioning andsupporting the insert 104 relative to the docking station 102, i.e.,helps align the hole 118 with the connector 114. Furthermore, the depthof the recess portion 180 typically coincides with the thickness of thelip 178 so that the top surface of the insert 104 lies flush with thetop surface of the top member 152 when the insert 104 is seated withinthe docking station 102. This particular arrangement provides a cleanand continuous appearance that is aesthetically pleasing to the user.This may also help hide the fact that an insert is being used.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the insert104 is positioned within the docking station 102 via rotating action.That is, the insert 104 is configured to rotate relative the dockingstation 102 between a released position and a mounted position. Therotating action provides a more elegant solution for inserting andremoving the insert 104 to and from the docking station 102.

During insertion, a user places the front lip 178A of the insert 104within the front recess 180A of the docking station 102 and rotates theinsert 104 about this interface. The recess 180A catches the front lip178A and provides a reference surface about which the insert 104 can berotated. At the end of the rotating action, the entire lip 178 ispositioned within the recess 180 thereby placing the insert 104 in thedesired relationship with the docking station 102. That is, the basin170 is placed within the cavity 150, and the connector 114 extendsthrough the hole 118 in the bottom of the basin 170.

During extraction or removal, a user lifts the back end of the insert104 away from the docking station 102 and rotates the insert 104 aboutthe lip/recess interface. As the insert 104 is rotated, the basin 170 ispulled out of the cavity 150 and the connector 114 is removed from thehole 118. At the end of rotation, the insert 104 is freed from thedocking station 104 and thus it can be removed from the docking station102. In some cases, the back end of the insert 104 may include a void182 that forms a lip that can be used as a handle to lift the insert 104away from the docking station 102.

In accordance with another embodiment, the docking system 100 includes aretention mechanism for securing the insert 104 to the docking station102. The retention mechanism consists of at least two features, aninsert feature 192 and a docking station feature 194. These features arecooperatively positioned so that when the insert 104 is inserted intothe docking station 102 (e.g., via the rotating action), the features192 and 194 engage with one another thus securing the insert 104 to thedocking station 102. In most cases, the features 192 and 194 arestrategically positioned about the periphery of the basin 170 and thecavity 150. For example, the features 192 and 194 may be located on theside walls including the front, back, right and left walls. Furthermore,the mating features 192 and 194 are typically positioned in an opposedrelationship. For example, if there are mating features 192 and 194 onthe front wall then there tend to be mating features 192 and 194 on theback wall. The features may be widely varied. By way of example, thefeatures may include nubs, grooves, channels, catches, hooks, slots,guides, tabs and/or the like that mate with one another in order to holdthe insert 104 in place. The features 192 and 194 may also include morecomplex mechanisms such as latches, locks, snaps and/or frictioncouplings.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of the insert 104 includesone or more tabs or hooks 192A that mate with one or more slots 194Alocated in the front side of the cavity 150 (or vice versa). Further,the backside of the insert 104 includes a catch 192B that mates with alatch 194B located in the backside of the cavity 150. The latch 194B isconfigured to move between a latched and unlatched position. In thelatched position, the latch 194B captures the catch 192B therebysecuring the insert 104 to the docking station 102. In the unlatchedposition, the catch 192B is released from the latch 194B therebyallowing the insert 104 to be removed from the docking station 102. Thecatch may be widely varied. For example, the catch may be selected fromvoids, ribs, pockets, openings, etc.

During insertion, as for example when the insert 104 is rotated inwards,the slots 194A are configured to capture the tabs 192A and the latch194B is configured to capture the catch 192B thereby securing the insert104 to the docking station 102. The catch 192B may for example becaptured by the latch 194B by moving the latch 194B from the unlatchedto the latched position during or after the rotating action.

During extraction, as for example when the insert 104 is rotatedoutwards, the catch 192B is configured to disengaged from the latch194B, and the tabs 192A are configured to disengage from the slots 194Athereby releasing the insert 104 from the docking station 102. The catch192B may for example be disengaged from the latch 194B by moving thelatch 194B from the latched to the unlatched position before or duringthe rotating action.

In some cases, the insert 104 may additionally include a pull or handle182 for helping disengage the catch from the latch and/or to help removethe insert from the cavity. The pull 182 provides a surface that a usercan grab in order to lift the insert away from the cavity. By way ofexample, the pull 182 may be a recess or a ridge, both of which can begrasped by a finger of the user.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, one embodiment of the docking system 100will be described in greater detail. In this embodiment, the insert 104is configured to rotate into and out of the docking station 102. Forexample, the insert 104 may be rotated between a released position (FIG.4A) and a latched position (FIG. 4B). In the released position, theinsert 104 may be removed from the docking station 102. In the latchedposition, the insert 104 is secured to the docking station 102. Asmentioned above, during rotation, the insert 104 pivots about an axiscreated at the interface between the front lip 178A and the front recess180A. That is, the edge of the lip 178A abuts the edge of the recess180A thereby forcing the insert 104 to rotate about this point. As theinsert 104 is rotated, the basin 170 is inserted into the cavity 150 andthe remaining portions of the lip 178 come into contact with theremaining portions of the recess 180 until the back lip 178B and backrecess 180B are fully engaged. The back recess 180B serves as anabutment stop to the rotating insert 104. In its final position, the lip178 and thus the insert 104 is supported by the recessed portion 180 ofthe docking station 102.

Because the insert 104 is rotated, the hole 118 in the bottom of thebasin 170 is made larger than the connector 114 so that there is enoughclearance when the insert 104 is rotated into position within thedocking station 102. The larger hole 118 provides sufficient space forthe hole 118 to rotate around the connector 114, i.e., the connectordoes not impede the motion of the insert. Unfortunately, however, thisleaves unsightly gaps between the edges of the hole 118 and theconnector 114 when the insert 104 is finally positioned in the dockingstation. In order to correct this problem, the connector 114 isconfigured with a collar or sleeve 200 that has an outer periphery thatcoincides with the inner periphery of the hole 118. The collar 200 fillsany gaps that would normally occur between the edge of the hole 118 andthe connector 114 thereby making the docking station 102 moreaesthetically pleasing while preventing particle accumulation.

As shown, the collar 200 is positioned at the base of the connector 114and has a height that keeps it from interfering with the rotating insert104. The collar 200 is configured to surround the connector 114, and inmost cases, the inner periphery of the collar 200 coincides with theouter periphery of the connector 114. The collar 200 may include achamfer 202 that matingly engages a corresponding chamfer 204 on theedges of the hole 118. The chamfers 202 and 204 help seat the insert 104properly with respect to the connector 114. The chamfer 204 alsoprovides more clearance between the rotating insert 104 and theconnector 114 (without the chamfer 204 the insert 104 may not be ablerotate past the connector 114 making removal or insertion moredifficult). The connector 114 itself may further include a tapered edge206 to provide extended clearance between it and the edge of the hole118 when the insert 104 is rotated into place within the docking station102.

When assembled, the connector 114 is positioned on a PCB 208, and thecollar 200 is placed over the connector 114. Thereafter, the top member152 is set in place over the connector 114 thereby trapping the collar200 between the connector 114 and the bottom wall of the cavity 150. Theconnector 114 and collar 200 are inserted through an opening in thebottom wall of the cavity 150. The outer periphery of the collargenerally coincides with the inner periphery of the opening in thebottom wall (e.g., tight fit). In order to keep the collar 200 trapped,the collar 200 may include a lip 209 that protrudes outwardly and thatengages the back surface of the bottom wall.

In order to secure the insert 104 in the cavity 150, the docking system100 also includes a latching/retention mechanism. In one embodiment, theinsert 104 includes one or more tabs 210 along the front surfaceunderneath the lip 178A. The tabs 210 are configured to matingly engagecorresponding slots 212 located along the front wall of the cavity 150underneath the recessed portion 180A. The insert 104 also includes a rib214 that protrudes along and away from the back surface of the insert104 underneath the lip 178B. The rib 214 is configured to receive alatch 216 located on the back surface of the cavity 150 underneath therecessed portion 180B. When placed in mating engagement, the tabs 210and latch 216 cause the insert 104 to be secured to the docking station102. The depth of the tab/slot interface and rib/latch interface isgenerally placed so that the lip 178 is placed within the recess 180when the insert 104 is fully inserted in the docking station 102.

As shown, the latch 216 includes a detent 218 that springs above the rib214 when the insert 104 is rotated into position within the dockingstation 102. The detent 218 is disposed through an opening 220 in thebackside of the cavity 150 and is biased towards the center of thecavity 150 by a spring action. The detent 218 may for example beattached to a flexure 222 that biases the detent 218 to a forwardposition. When the insert 104 is rotated into the docking station 102,the rib 214 engages the detent 218 of the docking station 102 and forcesthe detent 218 to a rearward position away from the center of the cavity150 (via a cam action). When the detent 218 moves past the rib, thedetent 218 resumes its forward position thereby trapping the rib 214underneath the detent 218. In order to remove the insert 104, a usersimply pulls up on the insert 104. During the pulling action, the detent218 slides against the edges of the rib 214. When a significant pullingforce has been provided, the detent 218 moves to the rearward positionthereby releasing the rib 214 from the detent 218. Once released, theinsert 104 is free to rotate out of the cavity 150 of the dockingstation 102.

To elaborate, the detent 218 is attached or integrally connected withthe flexure 222. The flexure 222 is disposed within the opening 220 inthe backside of the cavity 150 and is attached to a structural element224 of the docking station 102 such as a housing component or a framingcomponent. The flexure 222 is spring biased in a forward position sothat the front face 226 of the flexure 222 is positioned through theopening 220 and lies substantially flush with the surface of the backwall of the cavity 150. The detent 218 is located on the front face 226and protrudes substantially outward from the front face 226. The detent218 may be rounded to provide a smooth cam action with the bottom of thebasin 170 and eventually with the rib 214. The rib 214 may also berounded for at least the same reasons.

When the insert 104 is rotated into the docking station 102, the outersurface of the basin 170 engages the detent 218 and forces the detent218 to a rearward position away from the center of the cavity 150against the spring action of the flexure 222. That is, the flexure 222bends backwards under the cam force thereby allowing the detent 218 tomove out of the cavity 150 and into the interior of the docking station102. When the rib 214 is positioned underneath the detent 218, theflexure 222 resumes its natural forward position thereby trapping therib 214 below the detent 218. As a result, the insert 104 is preventedfrom moving out of the docking station 102 on its own.

In order to remove the insert 104, a user simply pulls up on the insert104, and when a significant pulling force has been provided, the flexure222 flexes thereby releasing the rib 214 from the detent 218. Oncereleased, the insert 104 is free to rotate out of the docking station102. Using this arrangement, the user simply has to overcome the springbias at the detent/rib interface when rotating the insert 104 in and outof the docking station. When designed appropriately, the insert can beinserted and extracted with simplicity, ease and minimal effort.

It is generally believed that the greater the spring force, the greaterthe holding force between the insert 104 and the docking station 102. Ifthe force is too great, however, the insert 104 may be difficult toremove. The spring force is therefore designed to provide limitedholding power. For example, enough holding power to secure the insert104 to the docking station 102 while still allowing a user to pull andpush the insert 104 into and out of the docking station 102. Oneadvantage of this configuration is that the insert 104 is not locked orsnapped in and therefore it may be easily pulled out and pushed into thedocking station 102 during the rotating action, i.e., the insert 104simply rotates in and out.

In one embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a pair of tabs 210and a pair of corresponding slots 212 at the front interface, and asingle rib 214 and a corresponding latch 216 at the back interface. Thepair of tab/slot interfaces are typically spatially separated an equaldistance from the center of the docking station 102, and the rib/latchinterface is typically placed in the center of the docking station 102.As should be appreciated, this triangulation provides three pointstability between the insert 104 and the docking station 102.

It should be noted that the rib for interfacing with the detent is not alimitation. Alternatively, the insert may include a recess, slot or voidfor matingly receiving the detent. In each of these cases, the detentbecomes trapped within the space provided by the recess, slot or voidvia the force of the flexure thereby securing the insert inside theopening. In one implementation, the rib is a bottom wall of a pocketthat further includes a top wall and side walls thereby forming a voidthat extends away from the back surface of the insert. This particularimplementation provides greater stability to the rib when long lengthsare used as for example when the depth of the basin is small.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another embodiment of the docking system100 will be described in greater detail. This embodiment is similar tothe embodiment shown and described in FIGS. 4A and 4B, however, unlikethat embodiment, only the detent 218 is disposed through the opening 220in the backside of the cavity 150 (not the flexure 222). The opening 220is sized and dimensioned to only receive the detent 218 therethrough.Furthermore, the detent 218 is integrated with an elongated flexure 232(or spring arm) that extends along the interior of the back wall of thecavity 150 where it attaches to a structural component 234 such as ahousing member or framing member. The structural element 234 may forexample be a bottom member of the docking station 102. Similar to theembodiment described in FIG. 4, the flexure 232 is capable of bending soas to allow the detent 218 to move inward and outward through theopening 220 when the insert 104 is rotated in and out of the dockingstation 102. Alternatively, the flexure 232 may be attached to the tophousing 152.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a docking system that iscapable of being integrated into another device, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The docking system may for examplecorrespond to the docking system described in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Asmentioned previously, integrated docking stations are integrated orbuilt into other devices such as personal computers, sound systems,video systems, recording equipment, communication equipment andperipheral devices such as printers, keyboards and the like. In theintegrated docking station, the base is typically provided by thehousing of the device that it is integrated with, i.e., the dockingstation utilizes the housing of the device rather than having its ownhousing.

In this embodiment, the docking station 102 includes a top member 152and a frame 252. The top member 152 is typically located at an outersurface of the housing of the host device, and the frame 252 istypically located inside the housing of the host device. The top member152 may be an integral portion of the housing of the host device or itmay be a separate component that is positioned within the outer surfaceof the host device. In either case, the top member forms a portion ofthe housing of the host device, and is generally a portion of the topsurface of the host device. The frame 252 may also be an integralportion of the housing of the host device or it may be a separatecomponent that is seated inside and fixed to the housing of the hostdevice. For example, if not integrally formed therewith, the frame 252may be attached to the housing of the host device via glues, fasteners,welds, snaps, and/or the like.

The top member 152 is positioned above and attached to the frame 252.The manner in which the top member 152 is attached to the frame 252 maybe widely varied. For example, the top member 152 may be attached to theframe 252 (or vice versa) via glues, fasteners, welds, snaps, and/or thelike. In one implementation, the top member 152 is attached to the frame252 via a snapping mechanism. The top member 152 may therefore beattached to the frame 252 via a snap action, i.e., snaps into place. Thesnapping mechanism typically includes a snap feature 253A on the topmember 152 that engages a corresponding snap feature 253B on the frame252. In some cases, the snap features 253 may also serve as stiffeningelements for both the top member 152 and the frame 252.

The frame 252 is configured to support the flexure 222 that is disposedin the opening 220 of the top member 152. By way of example, the flexure222 may be attached to a support platform 258 of the frame 252. Thesupport platform 258 provides a reference surface for correctly placingthe flexure 222 relative to the top member 152. Any suitable attachmenttechnique may be used, including for example, fasteners, glues, welds,snaps and/or the like. The frame 252 is also configured to support aprinted circuit board (PCB) 254. The PCB 254 includes the connector 114and various electronic components for operating the docking system anddelivering signals between the docking system and the host device. Anysuitable attachment technique may be used, including for example,fasteners, glues, welds, snaps and/or the like.

It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is not alimitation and that the configuration of the integrated docking systemmay be widely varied. By way of example, in some cases, a frame may notbe used. In cases such as this, the PCB and flexure may be attached tothe top member.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a stand alone docking system,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. By wayof example, the docking system may generally correspond to the dockingsystem described in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The stand alone docking systemgenerally includes a docking station that is separate from the hostdevice. The docking station generally communicates with the host devicevia wired or wireless connections. For example, the docking station maybe connected to the host device via a cable.

In this embodiment, the docking station 102 includes a top member 152and a bottom member 276 that form the housing of the docking station102. The top member 152 and bottom member 276 when assembled areconfigured to enclose internally various electrical and structuralcomponents. The top member 152 and bottom member 276 when assembled arealso configured to define the shape or form of the docking station 102.The shape may for example be substantially rectangular (as shown) oralternatively the shape may be circular, cubical and the like. By way ofexample, the top and bottom members 152 and 270 may be attached usingany suitable technique including for example screws, bolts, adhesives,welds, latches, snaps, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the top andbottom members are attached via a snap mechanism so as to preserve theouter surfaces of the docking station. In this embodiment, the sides ofthe top member are slide over the sides of the bottom member so that thesnap features can engage one another.

The docking station also includes various components that are locatedinside the assembled top and bottom members. The docking station may forexample include a steel weight 272 for helping stabilize the dockingstation, and a printed circuit board (PCB) 274 for supporting theelectronic circuitry of the docking station including for example theconnector 114 as well as the various jacks and ports 166 of the dockingstation. The docking station also encloses the flexure 232. Unlike theembodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, however, the flexure 232 isattached to the top member 152 and positioned so that the detent 218extends into the cavity 150 of the insert 104. Any suitable attachmenttechnique may be used, including for example, fasteners, glues, welds,snaps and/or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, screws are used.Alternatively, the flexure may be integrally formed with the top member.

It should be noted that the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is not alimitation and that the configuration of the stand alone docking systemmay be widely varied. By way of example, in some cases the flexure maybe attached directly or indirectly to the bottom member 276 rather thanto the top member. In addition, the docking system may includeadditional components such as rubber foot 270 that is attached to thebottom surface of the bottom member (e.g., via glue).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sound system 300 with an integrateddocking station 302, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The integrated docking station 302 may for example correspondto the one described in FIG. 6. The sound system 300, on the other hand,is a boom box or portable music system that includes a base 304 and apair of speakers 306. The docking station 302 is integrated within thebase 304 and allows various hand held electronic devices especially amusic player such as the iPod to communicate with the internal circuitryof the base 304 so that music stored on the music player can bebroadcast on the boom box via the speakers 306. The docking station 302can be placed anywhere on the base 304. In the illustrated embodiment,however, the docking station 302 is placed on the top surface of thebase 304.

In each of the various embodiments described above, the components ofthe docking station may be formed from a variety of materials. By way ofexample, plastic materials such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS, or PC-ABSmay be used for the housing, the insert and the latching mechanism suchas the flexure and detent. Alternatively, the flexure may be formed froma metal material such as spring steel.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A plurality of removable inserts to adapt a plurality of types ofportable media players to a docking station, each of the plurality oftypes of portable media players having a varying size, each of theplurality of removable inserts comprising: a basin having an insidesurface to receive a bottom end of one of the plurality of types ofportable media players, the basin further having an outside surface, thebasin configured for insertion and extraction with the docking station,the basin further including: one or more tabs located on a first side ofthe outside surface; a catch located on a second side of the outsidesurface, the first side opposite the second side; a lip extending fromthe inside surface of the basin, the lip configured to support andposition the removable insert relative to the docking station when theremovable insert is in a mounted position, wherein the lip is planar andis profiled to match a cavity in the docking station; an opening for arecess, the opening for the recess located in the second side; and anopening in a bottom for a connector of the docking station, wherein theopening for the recess is located such that the opening for the recessis located in the center of the catch, wherein the recess comprises apull for applying force about the one or more tabs on a first side ofthe basin, wherein the pull can be grasped by a finger.
 2. The pluralityof removable inserts of claim 1, wherein the one or more tabs areconfigured for capture by corresponding slots in the docking station,and the catch is configured for capture by a latch in the dockingstation.
 3. The plurality of removable inserts of claim 1, wherein theone or more tabs includes a pair of tabs, the tabs spaced apart andlocated on opposite sides of a center of the removable insert, andwherein the catch is a rib that mates with a detent of the latch, therib being located proximate the center of the removable insert, the tabsand rib working together to provide three point stability between theremovable insert and the docking station.
 4. A removable insert forcoupling a portable media player to a docking station, the removableinsert comprising: a basin having an inside surface to receive a bottomend of the portable media player, the basin further having an outsidesurface, the basin configured for insertion and extraction with thedocking station, the basin further including: two tabs spaced apart andlocated on a first side of the outside surface and on opposite sides ofa center of the removable insert; a catch located on a second side ofthe outside surface, the first side opposite the second side; a lipextending from the inside surface of the basin, the lip configured tosupport and position the removable insert relative to the dockingstation when the removable insert is in a mounted position, wherein thelip is planar; an opening for a recess, the opening for the recesslocated in the second side such that the opening for the recess islocated in the center of the catch; and an opening in a bottom for aconnector of the docking station, wherein the recess comprises a pullfor applying force about the one or more tabs on a first side of thebasin, wherein the pull can be grasped by a finger.
 5. The removableinsert of claim 4, wherein the one or more tabs are configured forcapture by corresponding slots in the docking station, and the catch isconfigured for capture by a latch in the docking station.
 6. Theremovable insert of claim 4, wherein the catch is a rib that mates witha detent of the latch, the rib being located proximate the center of theremovable insert, the tabs and rib working together to provide threepoint stability between the removable insert and the docking station.